CHICAGO (AP) — A spate of shootings around the country has law enforcement worried that this summer could be a violent one.

The shootings are happening in a turbulent brew of a pandemic that has left many without jobs, racial unrest and a rancorous election season.

Added to this mix are many new gun purchases, judging by historic numbers of background checks. Gun-rights advocates say the times show that Americans need to be prepared to defend themselves.

Gun-control advocates say the surge in firearm sales could lead to more violence. One silver lining: This year is on pace to have half as many mass shootings as the record-breaking 2019.